Don’t Let Insecurity Hold Back Your Career

June 13, 2017

by Firsthand Staff

This week we look at how gamifying the interview process can help you find a job that’s a better fit for you and simplify the hiring process. We look at when you should leave your job without another one and at the 3 character traits that could hold you back in your career.

“A Friend of a Friend” Is No Longer the Best Way to Find a Job
Harvard Business ReviewToo many people are applying for the same jobs. The hard part now, as most people know, is standing out from the pack — having your résumé noticed in a large pile, or finding some way around a clunky applicant tracking system. Hiring managers face the same problem, having to sort through hundreds of applicants with the limited tools of application software, résumés, and cover letters. In these moments, what those hiring value most is a strong recommendation from someone who actually knows the applicant as a worker and can assure them that the person will be a good hire. Read Article»

Can Gamifying The Hiring Process Make It More Effective?
Fast CompanyHow can companies hire better employees? Research shows that aptitude tests are consistently one of the most predictive factors of job success. It shows cognitive aptitude to be about twice as predictive as job interviews, three times as predictive as job experience, and four times as predictive as education level. The trend now is to figure out a way for applicants to enjoy the process. The more games they play, the more data the apps collect, and employers can screen for key traits they find important. These games also appeal to the geeky and competitive sides of applicants, pushing them farther. Read Article»

Three character traits that hold you back in your career
The GuardianAre you chaotic, unconfident or lack the ability to connect with others? Look inwards and find examples of when your lack of confidence in your abilities has been proven false. Pay attention to first impressions and the language that people use. People give clues about the way in which they liked to be communicated with. Don’t let your to-do list overwhelm you. Tackle each thing as quickly and focused as you can so you don’t dedicate a lot of wasted time doing half-hearted work. Read Article»

When You Should Quit Your Job Without Having Another One Lined Up
Harvard Business ReviewQuit while you’re ahead. Although employers prefer hiring people who are still employed, and although quitting feels like admitting defeat, there are two times you should quit your job sooner rather than later. First is if you believe something illegal or unethical is going on that will reflect badly on you. Second is when your job is negatively affecting your health and your life outside of work. Read Article»

My favorite professional tool can help you do everything from leverage new positions to brighten a bad day
Business InsiderDo you keep track of your professional accomplishments? Keeping a physical folder of your accomplishments encourages interaction because it is a physical and tactile reminder rather than a file hidden on a computer. Think of it like a portfolio for non-arts careers. You can reach back into it to remind yourself of your successes when things seem difficult at work. It can help you boost morale, provide you with ammo when you are negotiating at work, and it can remind you of things that you did in the past that worked. Sometimes its the old-fashioned things that still pack the biggest punch. Read Article»

Boss Catch You Interviewing For The Competition? Here’s What To Do
Fast CompanyMoving on up? HR staff has a keen eye. They can tell when someone is moving on when they tend to have more doctors appointments or if they have sudden reasons for coming in late and leaving early. Everyone switches jobs eventually, though, so the best thing to do is to be professional and candid. It may be best to consider discussing a graceful and mutually beneficial exit plan where you have 30, 60, or 90 days to finish your work. Hostile situations are rare, but they do happen. Just make sure you have a good sense of how your workplace has handled situations like this in the past. Read Article»

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